A resolution to declare December
6, 2012, as Utility Workers Safety Awareness Day in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, Utility workers put
their lives on the line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year; and

Whereas, These brave men and
women are often the first people at the scene of a storm or catastrophic event;
and

Whereas, Utility workers
regularly perform their duties along the roadside as identified by circulating amber
lights and designated signs and cones; and

Whereas, There are numerous
near misses every month where utility workers are almost hit because drivers do
not slow down or pull to the side when utility workers are roadside; and

Whereas, The fines and liabilities
of hitting a roadside utility worker are identical to those of roadside
construction workers and police officers; and

Whereas, Everyone can assist
in creating a safer environment through better awareness to utility workers and
vehicles operating roadside; and

Whereas, All citizens
need to understand the sacrifice and risk these men and women undergo to ensure
our daily schedules are not interrupted; and

Whereas, During Utility
Workers Safety Awareness Day, the goal is to better educate the public about
the need to “slow down and go around” utility workers, just as they do for
police, fire trucks and ambulances; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of
Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare December 6,
2012, as Utility Workers Safety Awareness Day in the state of Michigan.